The African Water Facility (AWF) has secured €12 million from the Nordic Development Fund to launch a new funding initiative aimed at improving urban sanitation across Africa. The Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII) was unveiled on 27 August 2024 during World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden. The funding was announced during a panel session hosted in collaboration with the African Union’s African Water Investment Program.
AUSII aims to mobilize $320 million over the next decade to support 50 sanitation projects, benefiting at least 15 million people in urban areas. These projects are expected to generate $7 billion in downstream investments, with 10% of the funding coming from climate-focused sources. Hosted by the African Development Bank, the initiative is set to address Africa’s pressing sanitation challenges, particularly in densely populated urban areas where traditional sewer systems are no longer viable.
Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Coordinator of the African Water Facility and Acting Director of Water Development and Sanitation at the African Development Bank, expressed optimism about AUSII’s potential to attract further support from partners. The initiative will act as a catalyst for African governments and the private sector to develop sustainable sanitation solutions.
Satu Santala, Managing Director of the Nordic Development Fund, emphasized the urgent need for innovative and socially inclusive sanitation solutions in Africa, especially as climate change exacerbates existing challenges.
The African Water Facility will organize regional sessions to raise awareness about the initiative, starting with the 9th Africa Water Week in Cairo in October 2024.